Health Risks on Thanksgiving
Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, it is of paramount importance for the ones celebrating to be vigilant about their health. Though the occasion is meant to bring people together and spread joy, people tend to end up in an emergency due to multiple health concerns. Many diabetics disregard their health and end up suffering from hyperglycemia due to the consumption of excess carbohydrates. If fluid and salt intake are not monitored, people tend to suffer from cardiac failure and electrolyte imbalances in the body. Moreover, during Thanksgiving celebrations, people tend to eat a lot without chewing the food adequately. Eventually, the food gets stuck during its passage through the esophagus which leads to choking and abnormal breathing. The famous Turkey Bowl also leads to ankle and elbow injuries of the overzealous individuals while showcasing their athletic skills. (1)

Health Tips for Thanksgiving 2021
Owing to an increased number of people who put their health at the stake during Thanksgiving, various health organizations have come up with health tips to keep in mind on this Thanksgiving.
1.     Start the day with a healthy and modest breakfast to keep one going throughout the day. This will help control the appetite and prevent binge-eating episodes on Thanksgiving weekend.
2.     A person should remain physically active throughout the event and burn the excess calories consumed.
3.     Be conscious of health while planning the Thanksgiving menu. The food should be nutritious and comprised of low-fat and lean-protein content.
4.     The food should be consumed in small portions so that a person can enjoy a wide variety of foods without exceeding the calorie mark.
5.     One should be hydrated throughout the event. This not only helps in controlling the appetite but also aids kidneys in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body.
6.     To avoid food poisoning, meat and eggs should be thoroughly cooked to prevent any contamination. (2, 3)

Obesity in Rhode Island
Binge-eating and exceeding the recommended calorie intake is not only observed on Thanksgiving but for some individuals, this is part of their daily routine. Consequently, such eating habits are becoming responsible for the rise in obesity trends throughout the globe. Rhode Island (RI) is a U.S. state in New England, which ranks 19th position based on the obese population. Recent statistics reveal that 28.5% of the RI population aged 18-44 years is classified as obese, which is approximately one-third of the entire population. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are prevalent among teenagers and adults of the RI. Since the major working force of the state belongs to this age group, the health trends are alarming and emphasize the importance and need for a healthy lifestyle among the population. (4, 5)

Role of Cannabidiol in Reducing Weight
There are a lot of ways to lose weight and maintain health, as proven by scientific studies over many decades. Nowadays, people tend to consume organic products and plant extracts to treat diseases and improve their health, which is otherwise accomplished by medications. One of the many ingredients found in nature is cannabidiol (CBD), obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is known to convert white fat to brown fat, which is not only safe in terms of cardiovascular diseases but also helps burn calories relatively fast. This not only helps an individual overcome obesity, but also plays a protective role against diabetes, hypertension, and excess cholesterol. (6) Research on animals also proves that CBD reduces appetite and increases the basal metabolic rate (BMR) by CB1 and CB2 receptor signaling in the brain and lymphoid tissue. (7)

Conclusion 
While occasions like Thanksgiving bring great joy to the community, such events are triggers for many health conditions including bone injuries, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. Obesity is very prevalent in the USA, with a significant contribution by Rhode Island’s population. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac abnormalities are common among this population and make health a critical concern in this region. Among many treatments available, CBD consumption is known to be beneficial for reducing weight and preventing associated systemic disorders.

Written by: Dr Fayyaz